Why Winter Is the Unsung Hero for Pet Photography (Yes, even in Cumbria)

One of many things that I’ve learned in my first year of business is that many people wait for Spring and Summer to schedule their dog portrait sessions. On the surface of things, given where we live in Cumbria and its reputation weather-wise, this is completely understandable. However, I certainly don’t hibernate over Winter and you shouldn’t either: read on to find out why it’s one of my favourite times of year to shoot.

Reason One: The Light

I think I said this to every single client I shot for over Winter here in Cumbria: the light is incomparable. There’s some physics at work here which isn’t my strong suit, but I genuinely can’t compare Winter light to anything else. The sun sits much lower in the sky - granted for less time - and this creates the most beautiful golden infused light. Can anybody tell me why the cold air does something to the sun too? I’m fairly certain I’m not imagining it.

Even when it’s overcast, which I actually love shooting in, these clouds are doing the work that hundreds of pounds of studio kit try to mimic: nature’s softbox. This diffuses the light beautifully and keeps everything lit softly without harsh shadows. In Spring and Summer I would never shoot in harsh light anyway as it creates unflattering shadows, blows out the highlights in images and most importantly is way too uncomfortable for dogs.

In Winter, although the days are shorter, you’re not needing to get up at 5am to chase the perfect sunrise, and the earlier sunsets are stunningly beautiful. It’s a literal goldmine for perfect pet photography.

Reason Two: Dogs LOVE Winter

I’ll be honest here, there are some mornings in Winter where I project my feelings onto my dog when in reality I’m the one who’s anticipating being too cold. But when we hit the ground? She’s super hyped up to be outside, and if we’ve had a frost she’s got a particular bounce in her step. Do scents stick to frost more readily do you know? Because there’s no sight quite like my border collie chasing down smells at -5 degrees on a Winter’s morning. Seeing her this happy is what gets my backside out the door on a cold winter’s morning, that’s for sure.

Push through the cold, because I can guarantee your dog will have that extra pep in their step on a Winter’s day. If they’re a breed prone to feel the cold, such as a sighthound I get it completely, and would never expect you to put your dog in an uncomfortable situation at all. However, our hairy bears that are chock full of energy? They’re made for it!

Whereas in Summer I take extra precaution to only shoot when temperatures are dog friendly, in Winter we can keep things moving, there’s a sharpness to dogs because they’re in their comfort zone. An energised, alert dog who's in their element makes for a completely different portrait to one who's hot, panting and looking for shade (I’d never photograph in the conditions for the latter anyway) and you can see that difference in every single image.

Reason Three: It’s actually Autumn in Disguise

When I look out into my garden in the Winter months, there’s often only one thought on my mind: “it’s so bleak.” The trees are naked, the flower beds are just soil, and without any sun the colour palette leaves a lot to be desired. In the Cumbrian woodlands and on the fells though? It’s a completely different story, in fact, I’ve long thought it was just Autumn in disguise - at least from a photographic perspective.

In December and January, I photographed primarily in woodlands local to me and something the images all had in common? The fallen leaves, russet and amber tones, moss and bark all worked together in perfect harmony to give the impression that we shot in the middle of Autumn. This rich, warm palette is something that summer’s full green canopy can often hide, and it’s these tones that give your Winter images a surprising warm tone that people are often seeking in September and October!

Cumbria specifically has a huge variety of environments that look completely different in winter, and that distinctness is part of what makes the images so special. On the fells, the dead heather and ferns are beautiful shades of brown, still leaning purple in some lights too. I will forever love shooting in Winter, and that’s a fellside I’ll die on.

So, Should You Book a Winter Session?

If you've made it this far, I hope I've at least planted a seed. Winter photography isn't a compromise at all, it's a completely different and equally beautiful experience that produces images I'm genuinely proud to put my name to.

Will it always be warm and dry? Absolutely not: this is Cumbria not the Costa del Sol. But will your dog care? Almost certainly not. And will the images surprise you? I'm willing to bet on it.

Winter sessions will return later in the year, but right now Spring is here and summer is just around the corner: both equally beautiful in their own right. If you'd like to find out more about booking a portrait session for your pet, I'd love to hear from you.